Gout

In gout patients in their 20s and 30s, the major causes include ① hereditary uric acid metabolic disorders (such as HPRT deficiency), ② heavy alcohol consumption and a diet excessive in purines, ③ obesity accompanied by insulin resistance, and ④ secondary causes (blood disorders and chemotherapy). Younger patients may accumulate greater risks of tophi, renal complications, and cardiovascular issues due to the longer duration of gout. Genetic testing may be considered if there is a family history, and the initiation of early uric acid-lowering treatment determines the long-term prognosis. In Korean medicine, gout in young patients is viewed as a combination of innate kidney energy deficiency and acquired damp-heat. When a constitution with weak kidney energy is compounded by alcohol consumption, overeating, and an irregular lifestyle, digestive energy deteriorates rapidly. At Dongjedang, we design a long-term plan for young patients that reinforces constitutional deficiencies while simultaneously correcting lifestyle habits. Starting treatment at an early age is recommended as it increases the likelihood of recovering digestive and kidney function and is advantageous for raising the recurrence threshold.